In the world of fine wine, some regions take centuries to establish their pedigree. Others have it thrust upon them by the sheer force of talent. In 2007, Chris and Andrea Mullineux—a partnership forged in the vineyards of Champagne and refined at Stellenbosch and UC Davis—saw the untapped potential of South Africa’s Swartland. Today, they are the undisputed benchmark, having put this rugged, sun-drenched landscape on the global map for terroir-driven excellence.

The "Yquem-Slayer": 2024 Chenin Blanc “Straw Wine”

The legend of the Mullineux Straw Wine was cemented early on in a now-famous blind tasting. As the story goes:

• “UK wine writer Neal Martin was introduced to the first vintage... he was offered two sweet wines to taste blind—one was our Straw Wine and the other was Château d’Yquem 1989. He gave the Straw Wine 96 points and the Yquem 95. His comment was: ‘F---ing hell, that’s good.’”

Why chase the astronomical price tags of Bordeaux’s most famous dessert wine when you can secure this air-dried Chenin Blanc? It is a visceral experience of concentrated apricot, honey, and electrifying acidity.

Criticla Acclaim:

97 Points, Vinous Media:

“The palate has stunning delineation, a razor-sharp line of acidity and ample weight, 

but it is not cloying in any way.”

97 Points, Wine Advocate:

“ … lusciously concentrated yet vividly fresh, delivering marmalade, dried apricot and honeyed citrus wrapped in a glycerin-rich texture. Chenin Blanc retains remarkable brightness and verticality despite intense concentration from sun-dried grapes.”